US Suspends Visa-Free Travel for Chinese Nationals Over Security Concerns

• •The DHS is suspending the EVS-TAP program for Chinese nationals due to security risks.
• •Concerns include potential espionage and birth tourism linked to the program.
• •The suspension will affect over 3,000 travelers who used the program in fiscal year 2025.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is suspending a visa-free travel program for Chinese nationals visiting the Northern Mariana Islands due to national security concerns, including potential espionage and birth tourism. The program, known as the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP), allowed prescreened Chinese citizens to visit for up to 14 days without a visa. More than 3,000 Chinese nationals utilized this program in fiscal year 2025. The suspension takes effect on October 30, 2026, affecting both new applicants and those already approved. Current travelers can complete their stays but will need visas for future visits. The DHS cited risks of illegal travel to Guam and exploitation for intelligence gathering near US military sites as key reasons for the suspension. The program was initiated in 2024 under the Biden administration.